pride & insecurity
There seems to be a strong correlation of wickedness and insecurity.
Adam & Eve pursued power out of prideful conceit, then realized that they were naked. Herod in trying to maintain power kills all children under two for fear of no longer being a king. This mythic trope continues to play out.
Trump is in essence the epitome of American values. How else does the most powerful and influential nation in the world militarily, economically, culturally still feel like the perpetual underdog? How does a country fight for democracy yet prop up violent dictatorships? How does a country blame hard-working immigrants for taking jobs while doing nothing to reform wage labor laws to ensure fair wages? America lacks integrity. We wanted a king, and we got our Saul. Our wickedness has borne its fruit – 240 years in the making.
We must be humble. We must be submitted before God. But, the American spirit of capitalism says to us to “do everything from selfish ambition or conceit” because it ends up benefitting everyone. Looking only to our own interests is looking to the interests of others. “War is peace; freedom is slavery; ignorance is strength.” In Trump, count others less significant than ourselves – America First. Fear is love.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Phil 2:1-4 (ESV)
From the King of Kings comes a peace that surpasses all understanding. Insecurity and fear are washed away in His presence. The more we pursue power, the more afraid we are to lose it. The more we pursue God, the deeper we are found in Him who is all powerful, everlasting to everlasting.
Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.Prov 3:34 (ESV)
Lord, you are our vindication. Will not your justice roll down like mighty waters?